Sales Representative (Business Development Specialist)

Outside Foodservice Sales Representative
Chef Source | Canton, Michigan | Full-time | Field-based
Chef Source is hiring an Outside Foodservice Sales Representative (Business Development Specialist) to grow a Michigan territory and help chefs find specialty products that fit their menus, food costs, and kitchen operations. You’ll spend much of your time visiting customers, introducing products through tastings and demonstrations, and building relationships that turn into repeat business.
Chef Source is a family-founded specialty food distributor based in Canton. Through our partnership with Carmela Foods, we offer more than 15,000 specialty products, including artisan pastry ingredients, premium proteins, specialty dairy, and imported foods. Our customers include restaurants, hotels, caterers, banquet venues, country clubs, retailers and other foodservice operators.
What you will do
· Build your territory by prospecting for new accounts, following up with leads, and bringing inactive customers back.
· Manage existing accounts and grow sales by identifying opportunities in customers’ menus, seasonal programs, and order guides.
· Work directly with executive chefs, sous chefs, pastry chefs, and general managers to recommend products that fit their needs and budgets.
· Prepare samples and lead tastings, product cuttings, and demonstrations at customer locations and at our Canton Innovation Center.
· Partner with customer service, purchasing, and delivery teams to resolve order and delivery issues. Follow up on account and payment questions as needed.
· Keep customer records and sales activity current in the CRM. Use sales reports to manage your pipeline and track progress against sales and margin goals.
What you'll bring
· At least three years of experience in outside B2B foodservice sales, restaurant management, or culinary leadership as a chef or sous chef.
· A high school diploma or GED.
· Strong communication, follow-up, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to manage your schedule and accounts independently.
· Comfort with mobile business tools and Microsoft Office, plus the ability to interpret sales and inventory reports.
· A valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and reliable transportation for daily travel within the assigned territory.
Preferred Qualifications
· Established relationships in the Metro Detroit, Ann Arbor, or broader Michigan culinary community.
· Knowledge of specialty foods, artisan pastry ingredients and familiarity with specialty foodservice products such as pastry chocolate, tart shells, fruit purées, artisan breads, and hors d’oeuvres.
· A bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, hospitality, culinary arts, or a related field.
Compensation and Benefits
· Base salary plus Bonus
· Health, dental, and vision insurance.
· 401(k) with company matching.
· Paid time off and paid holidays.
· Employee discount and on-the-job training.
How to Apply
Apply through this LinkedIn listing with your résumé. Highlight your experience growing foodservice accounts, or leading a culinary team.

Skills
Business Development

Experience
3+ yrs

Work arrangement
Yes